Cloud Study: Horizon of Trees

In this study, Constable reduces the landscape of north London’s Hampstead Heath to a fringe of tree tops and concentrates on the towering cumulus clouds, attempting to capture their transient energy. He made notes on the reverse of such sketches that underline his analytical observation of weather conditions. In this instance he wrote: “Noon 27 Sept very bright after rain wind West.”

In sketches like this one, Constable worked primarily with translucent paints and added a few opaque colours (often just a final application of white). He painted on a brown board, which is visible through the translucent blues and greys.